Moving with Gratitude: Veterans Gratitude Week 2026
For me, Veterans Gratitude Week is more than a fundraising campaign. It is an opportunity to say thank you through something I love—teaching mindful movement.
I have been teaching with Veterans Yoga Project for many years, and I have seen what a difference accessible yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness, and breath practices can make. VYP provides free yoga and mindfulness classes to Veterans, their families, and caregivers, both online and in communities around the country.
During Veterans Gratitude Week, I am asking my students, friends, family, and community to help me support this important work.
Why I Support Veterans Yoga Project
I teach Chair Tai Chi and gentle yoga because I believe everyone deserves a way to move, breathe, and take a little time for themselves—regardless of age, flexibility, fitness level, or experience.
That belief is one of the reasons VYP's mission resonates so strongly with me.
Veterans Yoga Project provides access to practices that can support resilience, mindfulness, connection, and well-being. VYP's 2026 goal is to continue offering thousands of free yoga and mindfulness classes, supporting its Online Studio, training teachers, and reaching more Veterans and military families.
How You Can Help
You don't have to be a Veteran to participate in Veterans Gratitude Week.
You can:
Donate — Every contribution helps support Veterans Yoga Project's programs.
Take a donation-based class — Join a Veterans Gratitude Week class and give what you can.
Honor a Veteran or service member — VYP offers the opportunity to create a tribute in its Hall of Gratitude.
Share this fundraiser — Sometimes the easiest way to help is simply to tell someone else why this mission matters to you.
This year, I'm inviting you to move with gratitude—whether that means joining a class, making a donation, honoring someone who served, or simply sharing the message.
Thank you for helping me support the Veterans Yoga Project community.
One breath. One heart. One act of gratitude at a time.
With gratitude,
Gail Pickens-Barger, E-RYT500
Veterans Yoga Project Ambassador & Online Instructor
Yoga • Tai Chi • Qigong
